March 2013

03/31/2013

As adults, we often feel pulled in two directions when it
comes to family. Whether it’s trying to decide with whom we celebrate a certain
holiday or include on a family vacation, the choice is never easy. Regardless
of the decision, we just can’t be in two places at the same time. Imagine what
it must be like for those with family members living in foreign countries.
Quite the logistical challenge, to say the least.

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Henriette Lazaridis
Power addresses this very topic in her debut novel, The Clover House. It’s
the story of Callie, a thirty-five-year-old woman with American-Greek roots,
who must come to terms with her family’s past while discovering the truth about
her own heritage. Beautifully written with the stunning backdrop of Greece,
it’s a poignant story that touches upon the power of forgiveness.

As part of this interview, Ballantine Books has generously donated five copies for you, my
favorite readers, to try to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia
question at the end of the column. Good luck! Be sure to keep up-to-date on all
the latest news in the publishing business by stopping by www.jennifervido.com or follow me on Facebook jennifervido.com or Twitter @JenniferVido. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s
Jewelsa part of your reading
adventure.

03/30/2013

Libby Morgan is a goal-oriented attorney. Driven by her
deceased mother’s words of wisdom to be successful in life, she has made many
sacrifices for her career. When Libby’s boss summons her to his office, she
believes her dream of becoming a partner is finally coming true. Yet despite
her numerous accomplishments, her boss delivers some unexpected news. Libby is
being let go due to financial cutbacks. When the managing partner suggests that
Libby take this time to finally enjoy her life, she leaves the office vowing
that her firm has made a grave mistake.

In an attempt to save her wounded pride, Libby reaches
out to her legal contacts in search of a new position. However, in spite of her
dogged determination she remains unemployed. With empty hours to fill, she rekindles
an old friendship with her chum Robin. While accompanying her on a quick errand
to A Good Yarn Shop on Blossom Street, Libby meets some new friends who welcome
her into their lives. Before she knows it, Libby’s workaholic days at the firm become
just a distant memory.

03/15/2013

With every break-up, there are three sides to the
story…his, hers, and the truth. Despite knowing this old adage, it’s nearly
impossible not to side with Brandi on this one. Sure this book is a no-holds-barred
rendition of her nasty divorce with playboy (something she should have figured
out prior to saying I do) Eddie Cibrian, but also it’s a modern day reality
check for a woman facing divorce and single-parenthood. Known for her untethered
tongue, Brandi dishes her side of the split by taking witty, yet somewhat
antagonistic jabs at her ex-husband’s new wife, LeAnn Rimes. Regardless of your
prior opinion of the country superstar, the raw emotions and heartfelt
vulnerability depicted in these hilarious vignettes seal the deal for Team Brandi.

Growing up in a rough neighborhood outside of Sacramento with
a pot-selling father and a free-spirited mother, it’s easy to see how Brandi
evolved into Bravo TVs most outlandish housewife. Marrying actor Eddie Cibrian
was a fairytale dream comes true for this former model who relished her new
role as a trophy wife. As with any young Hollywood couple, resisting the many
temptations that fame and fortune brings turned out to be their biggest
challenge.

Without a doubt, Brandi’s unapologetic candor and provocative
dating tips make this romp of a read spring’s guilty pleasure.

03/13/2013

Have you ever thought about kissing your day job goodbye?
Imagine what it would feel like to start over with no financial or personal responsibilities
holding you back. Perhaps you would fulfill a lifelong dream by pursuing a new
career. Or maybe, you’d just pack everything up and slip away for parts
unknown. Whatever your personal fantasy may be, it’s always fun to daydream
amid the realms of possibilities.

This month’s Jen’sJewels Elizabeth Haynes addresses
this very topic in her latest release, Dark
Tide. Fueled by a desire to fulfill
a childhood dream, business woman Genevieve throws her budding career away only
to discover that the risk turns out to more than she bargained for. A gripping
thriller filled with sinister characters and nail-biting scenes, Dark Tide will most definitely make a
splash as one of the best suspense novels this spring.

As part of this interview, HarperCollins has
generously donated five copies for you, my favorite readers, to try to win. So,
don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end of the column. Good
luck! Be sure to keep up-to-date on all the latest news in the publishing
business by stopping by www.jennifervido.com or follow me on Facebook jennifervido.com or
Twitter @JenniferVido. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your reading adventure.